Welcome Susie Baker as my guest blogger this month!. Susie has been and continues to be one of my dearest friends and mentors. Susie writes, speaks, and shares her gift of wisdom to many. She is the mom of three grown children, two of which are pastors, as well as the proud grandma of five! Thanks Susie, for filling in for me this month!
A scripture that has spoken to me often down through the years is found in Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” The phrase “guard your heart,” could be used in reference to both your physical and spiritual heart. Several years ago, I had to have bypass surgery and ever since then I have to have my heart checked every 6 months. I have been convicted that my spiritual heart needs a check-up much more often – like every day!
We can so easily get in the habit of doing life, just going through the motions, even when doing “Christian things,” and not realize that something has crept into our heart. Some of those things not only affect us, but they can hurt or hinder others as well. The longer an issue, or heart condition, is left unattended the deeper its roots go. Then it becomes harder and harder to deal with. But the good news is, we can prevent that with God’s help.
We know that our heart ultimately governs our behavior. So when we say or do something that “surprises” us, if we will get really honest with ourselves (and with God) and think about it, we will discover the root of that action.
Matthew 5:8 says, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (NIV). God is not looking at our outer actions as closely as He is looking at what motivates them. Because what’s inside us is the root of what comes out of us. God is much more concerned that the things we do come from a pure, Holy Spirit-led heart. The Holy Spirit is more than ready and willing to help us “guard our heart.”
If God is looking at what motivates us, we need to be sure we are doing what we do as unto the Lord and not for any other purpose. People in this world are spiritually hungry. And as Christians, it’s not enough for us to go around displaying things like bumper stickers and Christian jewelry. We must bear fruit. What is our fruit? It’s love…loving people, helping them, giving; not only our money, but our time, our efforts and ourselves. People need to see love in action!
You never know what will happen in the course of one day or the next. Learn to keep your heart right so that you will be able to maintain peace no matter what the day brings your way. That’s why I encourage you to do a spiritual heart “check-up” on a regular basis…have a meeting with yourself…and be honest with yourself about your motives. Work with the Holy Spirit and He will help you keep your heart pure and in good condition so you will glorify Him with your actions.